Prevalence of the Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection, and to examine the relationship between host factors (gender, age and breed) and D. immitis infection in dogs. The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. A total of 676 dogs were examined for D. immitis infection. Adult worms (necropsy) and blood samples were collected from all animals for diagnosis of D. immitis. Blood samples were examined using a modified Knott's and thick drop techniques. Fifty-six of 676 dogs were diagnosed infected with D. immitis. The odds of infection were 2.85 times higher in female dogs, compared to male dogs (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.5-5.5, P = 0.01). In addition, the odds of infection were 2.11 times higher in > or =3 years old dogs, compared with younger dogs (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.1-4.2, P = 0.03). This information is important for a better understanding of the epidemiology of D. immitis in dogs in Yucatan, Mexico.     

Detection of Oestrus ovis and associated risk factors in sheep from the central region of Yucatan, Mexico

A cross-sectional epidemiologic study was conducted in order to detect the presence of and to estimate the seroprevalence of Oestrus ovis L. infection in flocks of sheep from the central region of the state of Yucatan, Mexico. The risk factors associated with disease were also identified. A sample size of 10 animals per farm was used to detect seropositive animals, considering a 30% prevalence and 95% confidence level. Blood samples of 689 sheep from 88 flocks were collected and a questionnaire with questions about the flock and the host was applied. The thin layer immune assay test was used. The risk factors were screened using logistic regression procedures. 77% of the flocks had at least one-positive animal with antibodies against O. ovis. The overall seroprevalence and standard error was 30.6 +/- 3.5%. Only flock size and sheep nose color showed association (P < 0.05) with the disease. The odds ratios for flocks with less than 11 and with 11 to 25 sheep, as related to herds with 25 or more sheep, were 0.74 and 1.73, respectively. Sheep with dark noses had a higher risk (OR = 1.46) compared with sheep having light noses (P < 0.05).     

Factors affecting the prevalence of mange-mite infestations in stray dogs of Yucatán,Mexico

The aim of the present study was to determine the factors affecting the prevalence of mange-mite infestations in stray dogs of Yucatán, Mexico. The study was carried out in 200 stray dogs of Mérida capital city of Yucatán, Mexico. Four samples (head, thoracic-abdominal area, extremities and ear) were taken from each animal by skin scraping and examined microscopically in 10% KOH solution to detect the presence of mites. Mites were also collected from the external ear canal of dogs using cotton-tipped swabs. The prevalence of different mite species was calculated. A primary screening was performed using 2xK contingency tables of exposure variables. All variables with P< or =0.20 were analyzed by a logistic-binomial regression. The overall prevalence was 34%. Demodex canis (23.0%) was the most frequent mite, followed by Sarcoptes scabei var. canis (7.0%) and Otodectes cynotis (3.5%). The following factors were found: body condition (bad, OR: 5.35, CI 95%: 1.66-17.3; regular, OR: 3.72, CI 95%: 1.39-9.99) and the presence of macroscopic lesions of dermatosis (OR: 42.80, CI 95%: 13.65-134.24).     

Serum cardiac troponin I concentration in dogs with ehrlichiosis

Background: Ehrlichiosis is a multisystemic disease with the potential to cause cardiomyocyte injury in naturally infected dogs.
Hypothesis: Myocardial injury occurs in dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis .
Animals: One-hundred and ninety-four dogs from Brazil with clinical and laboratory abnormalities indicative of ehrlichiosis. Sixteen healthy dogs served as controls.
Methods: Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, noninvasive blood pressure measurement, and serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were evaluated. Serologic assays and PCR determined the exposure and infection status for E. canis, Anaplasma spp., Babesia canis vogeli, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Leishmania chagasi , and spotted-fever group Rickettsia . Dogs were assigned to groups according to PCR status: E. canis infected, infected with other vector-borne organisms, sick dogs lacking PCR evidence for infection, and healthy controls.
Results: E. canis -infected dogs had higher serum cTnI concentrations than controls (median: 0.04 ng/dL; range 0.04–9.12 ng/dL; control median: 0.04 ng/dL; range: 0.04–0.10 ng/dL; P = .012), and acute E. canis infection was associated with myocardial injury (odds ratio [OR]: 2.67, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.12–6.40, P = .027). Severity of anemia was correlated with increased risk of cardiomyocyte damage ( r = 0.84, P < .001). Dogs with clinical signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were at higher risk for myocardial injury than were other sick dogs (OR: 2.55, CI 95%: 1.31–4.95, P = .005).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Acute infection with E. canis is a risk factor for myocardial injury in naturally infected Brazilian dogs. Severity of anemia and SIRS might contribute to the pathophysiology of myocardial damage.     

Estimation of Neospora caninum seroprevalence in dairy cattle from Normandy, France.

An epidemiological study was conducted in Orne (France) on randomly selected dairy herds (42 herds including 1,924 cows and heifers, which were at least 15 months old). The aim was primarily to estimate the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection from two blood samples per cow, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for N. caninum (one positive result indicating infection). The second aim was to test the association between some individual and herd factors and N. caninum seropositivity with a logistic model including a random term effect. The prevalence was estimated at 5.6% (107 seropositive animals). At least 27 of the 42 herds had one seropositive cow or heifer. The intra-herd seroprevalence varied from 1.1 to 8% for 18 positive herds (66.7%). Dogs were present in 36 farms and 104 of the 107 seropositive animals were exposed to them. The factors associated with individual seropositivity were the presence of cats (OR = 0.17; P < 0.001), dogs (OR = 4.35; P = 0.02), rabbits and/or ducks (OR = 2.10; P = 0.04), long calving periods (12 months) (OR = 0.44; P = 0.007), tethered housing (OR = 2.50; P = 0.01), somatic cell counts (200-400 x 10(3) cells/mL) (OR = 0.24; P < 0.001) and pond water supply (OR = 2.43; P = 0.04). In conclusion, the animal and intra-herd seroprevalences were low in dairy cows from Normandy, France.     

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with neosporosis in sheep and dogs from farms

This study aimed to establish the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with neosporosis in sheep and dogs from rural properties. 1497 blood samples were collected from sheep and 42 from dogs that cohabited with sheep from 16 farms located in the central region of S?o Paulo State, Brazil. For the detection of N. caninum antibodies it was performed the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT ≥ 25). For the epidemiological study it was applied a questionnaire for the owners or responsible from the sheep and dogs regarding informations related to neosporosis. The seroprevalence obtained out of the 1497 sheep sera tested was 8.0% (CI95%=6.7-9.2%) and out of the 42 dogs 4.8% (CI95%=0-7.2%). Variables statistically related to seropositivity for N. caninum in sheep were: dams well as water supply (P=0.0004; OR=2.15), presence of other domestic canids (P=0.0013; OR=2.38) and presence of reproductive problems (P=0.0031; OR=1.75).     

Serological survey of canine dirofilariosis in Chongqing, Kunming, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanning in Southern China

The present study conducts a serological survey on the presence of canine dirofilariosis in domestic dogs using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. A total of 310 household dogs (166 females and 144 males) in Chongqing, Kunming, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanning in Southern China were examined. Of the 310 dogs, 42 (13.5%) were seropositive for dirofilariosis. No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of sex in the seroprevalence of dirofilariosis using the ELISA kit. The positive rates for dirofilariosis were 6.6% in the 0-1-year-old group, 13.8% in the 1-4-year-old group, and 21.6% in the less than 4-year-old group. The statistical analysis revealed that significant differences were observed in the 1-4-year-old group (P=0.037, OR=0.441, 95% CI=0.170-1.144) and less than 4-year-old group (P<0.001, OR=0.256, 95% CI=0.095-0.693). In the regional comparison, the shoreline city Shenzhen (18.8%) had a significantly higher prevalence than urban and mountain areas (P<0.05, OR=0.310, 95% CI=0.066-1.445). In conclusion, Dirofilaria immitis infection in domestic dogs was present in Chongqing, Kunming, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanning. Therefore, heartworm treatment and/or chemoprophylaxis for the captured domestic dogs are necessary in these areas. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first using serological methods to examine D. immitis infection in domestic dogs in Mainland China in the recent years.     

Cultivation and molecular identification of Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia chaffeensis from a naturally co-infected dog in Venezuela

Background: Diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis in Venezuela is normally performed by examination of buffy coat smears (BCS). Characteristic inclusion bodies are frequently observed in leukocytes and platelets from dogs with clinical signs of the disease. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the co-infection of a dog with Ehrlichia canis and E hrlichia chaffeensis using microbiological and molecular techniques. Methods: Primary cultures of monocytes from a dog showing signs of ehrlichiosis were performed. Ehrlichial inclusions in blood cells were demonstrated by BCS and in cultured cell smears with direct immunofluorescence and Dip Quick staining. Nested PCR analysis was performed with DNA from blood samples and cultures, using primers specific for E. canis and E. chaffeensis. The amplified DNA fragments were sequenced to confirm the specificity of the amplifications. Results: The BCS of the naturally infected dog contained intracellular morulae. Ehrlichial inclusions were observed 9 days after inoculation of the primary cultures. After 3 passages with monocytes from a healthy dog, 65% of infected cells, and cells with >60 morulae were observed. A healthy female German Shepherd dog, seronegative for E. canis and E. chaffeensis antigens and without contact to ticks, was inoculated with an infected culture. The animal developed signs of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and became seropositive. Nested PCR results and sequencing of amplified DNA fragments demonstrated the simultaneous presence of E. canis and E. chaffeensis in both dogs. Conclusions: This is the first report of E. chaffeensis in dogs in South America. This organism was previously identified in dogs by PCR only in the United States.     

Quantification of vertical and horizontal transmission of Neospora caninum infection in Dutch dairy herds

Ninety-six of 108 randomly selected Dutch dairy herds had one or more cows with a positive serostatus for N. caninum. In these 96 herds, we have quantified the probabilities of vertical transmission (VT) and horizontal transmission (HT) of N. caninum infection by combining serostatus and pedigree data in 4091 dam-daughter pairs. The probability of animals infected by vertical transmission during pregnancy (Prob(VT)) was calculated as the proportion of seropositive daughters among daughters of seropositive dams. The probability of animals infected by horizontal transmission (Prob(HT)) was the proportion of seropositive daughters among daughters of seronegative dams. These probabilities were calculated after the frequencies of observed dam-daughter combinations were corrected for (1) imperfect test-characteristics, (2) underestimation of horizontal transmission in situations that seronegative dams were horizontally infected after the birth of their daughters and (3) overestimation of vertical transmission in situations that seronegative daughters born from seropositive dams were horizontally infected. The incidence rate for horizontal transmission was calculated based on Prob(HT) and the average age of the animals in these herds. Based on the analysis of dam-daughter serology, Prob(VT) was 61.8% (95% CI: 57.5-66.0%) and Prob(HT) was 3.3% (95% CI: 2.7-3.9%). After adjusting the observed frequencies for imperfect test-characteristics, underestimation of horizontal transmission and overestimation of vertical transmission, Prob(VT) decreased to 44.9% (95% CI: 40.0-49.9%) while Prob(HT) increased to 4.5% (95% CI: 3.9-5.2%). Prob(HT) corresponded with an incidence rate for horizontal transmission of 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2-1.7) infections per 100 cow-years at risk. When stratifying herds for the presence of farm dogs, Prob(HT) was higher (5.5% (95% CI: 4.6-6.4%)) in herds with farm dogs than in herds without farm dogs (2.3% (95% CI: 1.5-3.4%)). When stratifying for within-herd seroprevalence, Prob(HT) was higher (10.3% (95% CI: 8.6-12.2%)) in herds with high (> or =10%) within-herd seroprevalence compared with herds with low (<10%) within-herd seroprevalence (2.0% (95% CI: 1.5-2.6%)). Although there was this relation between Prob(HT) and within-herd seroprevalence (crude OR(PREV) = 5.7 (95% CI: 4.0-7.9)), in herds without farm dogs, this relationship was no longer statistical significant (OR(PREV|DOG-) = 1.9 (95% CI: 0.7-5.5)). It indicated that the association between seroprevalence and Prob(HT) depended largely on the presence of farm dogs. In addition, when looking for the presence of specific age-groups with significantly higher seroprevalence compared with the rest of the herd, there were 7 herds in which two or more horizontally-infected animals were present in specific age-groups. This was an indication of a recent point-source exposure to N. caninum. These results reiterate the current control strategies to apply strict dog-management measures as well as to minimize within-herd seroprevalence by monitoring serostatus of animals.     

Evaluation of granulocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs of Missouri, including serologic status to Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia equi and Borrelia burgdorferi.

Canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis was diagnosed in 37 dogs by finding ehrlichial morulae in 0.1 to 26.2% of their blood neutrophils and eosinophils. All 37 dogs had clinical signs of arthritis or muscular stiffness. Titer to Ehrlichia canis was determined in sera from 31 of the 37 dogs; 25 dogs had titer ranging from 1:20 to 1:5,120. In the other 6 dogs, titer to E canis was less than 1:10. The most common hematologic abnormality in these dogs, other than rickettsiemia, was thrombocytopenia. Granulocytes infected with ehrlichial organisms were not found in another 10 dogs that had clinical signs of arthritis or muscular stiffness. Of these 10 dogs, 3 had titer to E canis ranging from 1:40 to 1:320. Titer in the other 7 dogs was less than 1:10. Ehrlichial morulae were not found in the granulocytes of 18 healthy dogs. Of these 18 dogs, 9 had titer to E canis ranging from 1:20 to 1:5,120. Titer in the other 9 dogs was less than 1:10 Titer to Borrelia burgdorferi was determined in dogs with granulocytic ehrlichiosis, arthritic dogs without detected rickettsiemia, and in healthy dogs. Low titer determined by 2 laboratories was considered to be nonspecific reaction in all 3 groups of dogs and, thus, did not indicate that the arthritic disorders were attributable to canine borreliosis.     

Serosurvey of Babesia canis, Babesia gibsoni and Ehrlichia canis in pound dogs in California, USA

The seroprevalence of three canine tick-transmitted parasites, Babesia gibsoni, Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis, was estimated in selected regions of California. Blood smears and sera were obtained from 971 dogs in seven animal shelters: four in Los Angeles County, one in Yolo County, one in El Dorado County in California and one in Minden, Nevada. Seroprevalence in Los Angeles County shelters were 0–13%, 0–2.6% and 0% for B. canis, B. gibsoni and E. canis, respectively. Seroprevalences of the same three parasites in Yolo County and El Dorado County Shelters were 0% except for a 1% seroprevalence of B. canis in dogs from Yolo County Shelter.

Potential risk factors (breed, age, sex and evidence of ticks on the dogs) for B. canis seropositivity were evaluated. Dogs 3 years of age or older had a significantly higher risk (odds ratio 5.04) of being seropositive to B. canis compared with dogs less than 1 year old. Breed, sex and evidence of ticks were not associated with seropositive reactions to B. canis. Of 29 coyotes captured in Los Angeles County, three (10.3%) were seropositive for B. gibsoni, with titers of 1280 to 2560. This study indicated that dogs in Los Angeles County were at higher risk of being seropositive and potentially infected with canine babesial parasites than dogs in Yolo and El Dorado Counties. Movement of chronically infected dogs from Los Angeles County into other areas could contribute to the spread of these important pathogens.     

Prevalence and risk factors of hypoglycemia in virulent canine babesiosis

Hypoglycemia is a common complication of virulent canine babesiosis. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and potential risk factors for hypoglycemia in canine babesiosis from Babesia canis rossi. Plasma glucose concentration was measured at presentation in 250 dogs with babesiosis, of which 111 were admitted to hospital. The prevalence of hypoglycemia (<60 mg/dL) was 9% (23/250). Twenty-two hypoglycemic dogs required admission, making the prevalence of hypoglycemia in admitted dogs 19.8%. Sixteen dogs had severe hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL), of which 5 had glucose < 18 mg/dL. Hyperglycemia (>100 mg/dL) was present in 38 dogs, of which 21 were admitted. Risk factors for hypoglycemia identified by univariate analysis were collapsed state (P < .00001), severe anemia (P = .0002), icterus (P = .003), age < 6 months (P = .02), and vomiting (P = .03). After logistic regression analysis, collapsed state (odds ratio [OR] = 18; 95% CI, 1.9-171; P = .01) and young age (OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 0.8-9.7; P = .1) remained significantly associated with hypoglycemia. Toy breeds and pregnant bitches were not at higher risk for hypoglycemia than other dogs. Blood glucose concentration should ideally be measured in all dogs requiring inpatient treatment for babesiosis but is mandatory in collapsed dogs; puppies; and dogs with severe anemia, vomiting, or icterus. Many dogs have probably been misdiagnosed with cerebral babesiosis in the past, and hypoglycemia should be suspected in any dog with coma or other neurological signs.     

Seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum among healthy dogs and horses in Israel

The presence of reacting antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum has previously been demonstrated in Israel, both in humans and the golden jackal (Canis aureus syriacus). This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of A. phagocytophilum antibodies in two additional potential hosts, domestic dogs and horses in order to investigate the possibility of exposure to the organism in Israel. Of 195 dogs tested, 9% were seroreactive with A. phagocytophilum antigen and 30% were seroreactive to Ehrlichia canis. Twenty-nine percent of the dogs seropositive for E. canis were also reactive to A. phagocytophilum. Two dogs had immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) antibody titres for A. phagocytophilum greater than E. canis. The equine serological survey (n = 300) revealed no seroreactive horses. The results presented in this study suggest that dogs in Israel could have been accidentally exposed to A. phagocytophilum, for example by ticks carried on migrating birds, however, the possibility of cross-reaction with E. canis should also be considered. In spite of the high prevalence of ticks on horses in Israel during the summer months, no evidence for exposure to A. phagocytophilum was apparent.     

Antibodies to Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia platys, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Louisiana Dogs

Antibodies to Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia platys, and spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in sera from 27 ill individually owned thrombocytopenic dogs (platelet concentrations less than 200,000 platelets/microliters) and 59 healthy kenneled dogs located in southern Louisiana. Platelet concentrations less than 100,000 platelets/microliters were detected in 63% of ill thrombocytopenic dogs and 6.8% of healthy kennel dogs. One ill thrombocytopenic dog had intracytoplasmic E platys morulae detected within platelets. The prevalence of increased serum antibody titers to E canis and E platys was 25.9% and 40.7% for the ill thrombocytopenic dogs and 20.3% and 54.2% for the healthy kennel dogs, respectively. All dogs with seropositivity to E canis had increased antibody titers of greater than or equal to 1:100 to E platys. Simultaneous examination of increased serum antibody titers (greater than or equal to 1:64) to four SFG rickettsiae indicate that Rickettsia rhipicephali and Rickettsia montana accounted for the majority of the antibodies detected in these dogs. Of 86 dogs tested, 44.2% were seronegative to E canis, E platys, and SFG rickettsiae.     

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis in beef cattle herds of Yucatan,Mexico

The main objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the seroprevalence of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) in a population of non-vaccinated beef cattle in the livestock region of Yucatan, Mexico and to determine potential risk factors related to the seroprevalence. Also, we estimated the intraherd correlation (r_e) and design effect (D) of IBR seropositivity. Cattle were selected by two-stage cluster sampling. Blood samples were collected from 564 animals from 35 herds. Sera were tested for antibodies against IBR using the serum-neutralisation test. Information regarding the herd and each animal sampled were recorded through a personal interview with the farmer or farm manager. The data were analysed using fixed-effects logistic multiple regression. Thirty-four of the 35 herds had at least one seropositive animal. The animal true seroprevalence was 54.4%. Animals in large herds or in production had higher odds of seropositivity than those in small herds or growing. The r_e and D were 0.17 and 3.62, respectively.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic goats in Satun Province, Thailand

Goats are important domestic animals in the south of Thailand due to the minimal cost of rearing and maintaining them, and their production of both meat and milk. Toxoplasmosis is one of the most threatening parasitic zoonoses and the causative agent Toxoplasma gondii uses a wide range of warm-blooded intermediate hosts including the goat. The objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to T. gondii in goats of Satun Province in Thailand. A total of 631 goat sera were examined for antibodies against toxoplasmosis with commercial latex agglutination test kits (Toxocheck-MT 'Eiken'). Of these, 176 (27.9%) were found to be positive to T. gondii; antibody titers ranged from 1:64 to 1:4096 (1:64 cut-off). Female goats were 1.73 times more likely than male to be seropositive (odds ratio [OR]=1.73; 95% confidential interval [CI]=1.11, 2.73). Dairy goats were more likely to be seropositive than meat goats (OR=1.36; 95% CI=0.84, 2.20). Goats were infected with T. gondii with acquisition of age because older goats were more likely to be seropositive than young goats under 1-year-old (for 1-2 years, OR=19.6; 95% CI=0.92, 4.15, for >2 years, OR=2.70; 95% CI=1.26, 5.80). The high seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies found in the present study suggested widespread exposure of goats in Satun Province to T. gondii.     

Serological survey for antibodies reactive with Ehrlichia canis and E. chaffeensis in dogs from the Bloemfontein area, South Africa

Sera from 161 dogs in the Bloemfontein area in South Africa were tested for the presence of antibodies reactive with Ehrlichia canis and E. chaffeensis by indirect fluorescent antibody testing. Overall, 68 (42%) of the dogs had significant antibody titres (> or = 1/64) against E. canis and 61 (38%) had significant titres (> or = 1/64) against E. chaffeensis. Seven (11%) dogs had higher titres to E. chaffeensis than E. canis (1/2048 and 1/1024 (2 dogs); 1/1024 and 1/512 (2 dogs); 1/2048 and 1/512; 1/512 and 1/256 and 1/512 and < 1/64, respectively). The remaining seropositive dogs had equal (n = 26; 42%) or 2-(n = 17; 25%), 3-(n = 13; 2%) or 4-fold (n = 5; 7%) higher titres against E. canis. Dogs from economically depressed, high-density suburbs (60/112; 48%) had significantly higher prevalences of antibodies against E. canis than those from more affluent, low-density suburbs (8/49; 14%) (chi 2 = 19.38, p < 0.001). Higher titres to E. chaffeensis than E. canis were found in dogs from affluent, low-density suburbs (3/49) and in dogs from economically depressed, high-density suburbs (4/112).     

Cross-sectional survey on Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle, sheep and pigs in Serbia: seroprevalence and risk factors

Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed zoonosis with a clinical impact in the unborn fetus and in the immunosuppressed individual. In Serbia, studies of risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans have shown that the relatively high prevalence is associated mainly with consumption of undercooked meat and/or meat products. However, data on T. gondii infection in domestic animals mostly used for human consumption are scarce. We thus conducted a cross-sectional survey on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in a representative sample of cattle, sheep and pigs from different regions of Serbia between June 2002 and June 2003, and analyzed the main risk factors associated with the infection. Sera from 611 cattle (yearlings and adults of both sexes), 511 ewes, and 605 pigs (market-weight and sows), were examined for T. gondii antibodies by the modified agglutination test. The seroprevalences determined were 76.3% in cattle, 84.5% in sheep and 28.9% in pigs. The antibody levels ranged from 1:25 to 1:400 in cattle, and up to 1:25,600 in sheep and to 1:12,800 in pigs. Among the seropositive, the proportion of high antibody levels (> or =1:1600), suggestive of acute infection, was 10% in sheep, and 4% in pigs. Possible association of the infection with biologically plausible risk factors including gender, age, herd size/farm type, type of housing, feeding practices and region, was analyzed by univariate analysis, and variables significant at P< or =0.1 were included in multivariate logistic regression models. The results showed that risk factors for cattle were small herd size (odds ratio, OR=2.19, 95% confidence interval, CI=1.28-3.75, P=0.004) and farm location in Western Serbia (OR=2.04, 95% CI=1.10-3.79, P=0.024), while housing in stables with access to outside pens was protective (OR=0.37, 95% CI=0.21-0.67, P=0.001). In sheep, an increased risk of infection was found in ewes from state-owned flocks (OR=4.18, 95% CI=2.18-8.00, P<0.001) vs. private flocks, and, interestingly, also in those from Western Serbia (OR=4.66, 95% CI=1.18-18.32, P=0.028). In pigs, the risk of infection was highly increased in adult animals (OR=3.87, 95% CI=2.6-5.76, P<0.001), as well as in those from finishing type farms (OR=3.96, 95% CI=1.97-7.94, P<0.001). In addition to providing data on the current T. gondii seroprevalence in meat animals in Serbia, the results of this study show the main risk factors associated with infection, thereby pointing to the type of preventive measures to reduce T. gondii infection.     

A survey for infection with Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Babesia canis in feral and client-owned dogs in the Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

The frequency of infection with Dirofilaria immitis and Babesia canis and seropositivity to Ehrlichia canis and Borrelia burgdorferi in feral and client-owned dogs was determined. Feral dogs were 14.8 and 11.2 times more likely to be seropositive to D. immitis and E. canis, respectively, than were client-owned dogs. None of the dogs tested positive for B. burgdorferi or B. canis.